Traumatic amputation Severe active sepsis in non-viable limb Illness necessitating urgent surgery <24 hours after admission to hospital Hypersensitivity to Qutenza, Emla or any of the excipients Broken skin or active ulceration at the site of application Severe uncontrolled hypertension (systolic BP >200) Proven cardiac event during the preceding 3 months Women who are pregnant or breast feeding Lack of capacity or inability to provide informed consent Declines participation in the study